The Physician Assistant Studies program is an intense, full-time, 27-month cohort curriculum with a total of 98 credit hours. A Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is awarded upon completion of the curriculum and fulfillment of University of Saint Francis Graduate School requirements. Each May, 25 students are accepted into the Physician Assistant Studies program. Up to seven of those seats can be filled through the USF and articulating Bachelor of Science/Master of Science Dual Acceptance programs.

You will spend the first 15 months of the program primarily in the classroom, where you will obtain a foundation of medical knowledge in the areas of basic biomedical science and clinical skills. Problem-based learning techniques (PBL) are introduced early in the curriculum and used exclusively in the third and fourth semesters in medical diagnosis and therapeutics courses. As part of PBL, procedures, simulations and introductory patient experiences are offered. During the last 12 months of the program, you will be assigned to clinical rotations, spending a minimum of 40 hours per week working with a preceptor in settings such as physician offices, clinics, extended care facilities and hospitals.

Your entire cohort will complete a core of rotations in areas of family medicine, emergency medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, geriatrics or long-term care, and an elective. You may then choose from a series of rotations in the areas of a trauma or surgery subspecialty, hospital-based care, family practice or internal medicine.

Collaboration Opportunities

The story of the Fort Wayne Area Interprofessional Education Consortium (FWAIPEC) involves many area universities including the USF Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Programs. This video illustrates the collaboration opportunities this organization creates which will improve the ability of the health care team to provide the best care to patients in our community.